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MLB Opening Day 2016: Who's Off The 25-Man Roster When Javier Baez Returns?

It probably won't take too long for a decision to have to be made.

Rob Tringali/Getty Images

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona -- With the placement of Javier Baez on the 15-day disabled list (probably retroactive to March 25), the 25-man roster for Opening Day is set as follows:

Pitchers (13)

Jake Arrieta
Jon Lester
John Lackey
Jason Hammel
Kyle Hendricks
Hector Rondon
Pedro Strop
Justin Grimm
Travis Wood
Adam Warren
Clayton Richard
Trevor Cahill
Neil Ramirez

Catchers (2)

Miguel Montero
David Ross

Infielders (5)

Anthony Rizzo
Ben Zobrist
Addison Russell
Kris Bryant
Tommy La Stella

Outfielders (5)

Jason Heyward
Dexter Fowler
Jorge Soler
Kyle Schwarber
Matt Szczur

According to this Tribune article, it won't be too long before Baez is ready to return:

Before the injury, Baez made considerable progress as an outfielder despite not playing the position until December in the Puerto Rican League. Baez, 23, is considered the Cubs' best defensive infielder and can play all four infield positions.

Baez will continue his rehabilitation in Arizona and is expected to rejoin the team for the home opener April 11 against the Reds.

The article also notes that the somewhat-short bench likely won't be a factor in the two-game season-opening series at Anaheim, as with the DH you don't need to pinch-hit as often. It could become a factor in the four-game set that follows at Arizona. For the moment, Zobrist is Russell's backup at shortstop, not an ideal situation.

When Baez is ready to return (April 11 according to the Tribune), who goes off the roster? The logical choice might be Szczur, because (presumably) Baez will be able to play the outfield positions that Szczur can. But then there's the issue of getting Szczur through waivers. It might be possible at that point, as most teams won't have an open roster spot them (I know some here have mentioned the Phillies as a possible landing spot for him).

So, the Cubs will have a roster decision to make just a week into the season. How do you think it will go?